Google Chrome Version 18 Brings Improved Graphics

Google has this week released a stable version of its Chrome Browser version 18, which brings with it a number of new features. Including improvements to both Canvas2D’s speed and WebGL’s reach.

GPU-accelerated Canvas2D has been enabled in the Beta channel from sometime. But now Google has now enabled GPU-accelerated Canvas2D to run on capable Windows and Mac computers, with the aim to make web based applications such as games perform even better than a pure software implementation.

Google has also enabled Swuftshader to help out older systems to run WebGL 3D apps such as Windows XP systems or systems equipped with integrated Intel video chips. Google explains:

“WebGL enables compelling 3D content on the web, so we want to ensure that as many users as possible have access to this technology. That’s why we’ve enabled SwiftShader, a software rasterizer licensed from our friends at TransGaming, for users with older configurations.”